Travel to the White Continent. Join Duke Faculty and friends on this spectacular 14-day journey featuring a nine-night exclusively chartered cruise to Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Cruise aboard the intimate L’ Austral, one of the finest vessels in Antarctic waters, combining innovative design with personalized service and featuring private balconies in 95% of the 110 deluxe, ocean-view Suites and Staterooms. Experience “The White Continent” in its unspoiled state—fantastically shaped icebergs, turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries and breaching whales—during the lingering light of the austral summer. Accompanied by the ship’s expert expedition team of naturalists, board sturdy Zodiac watercraft for excursions ashore and observe the playful antics of this region’s abundant wildlife—penguins and seals, in particular, are unafraid of human visitors. The expedition team will provide a series of enriching lectures on this pristine wilderness. Spend two nights in the Five-Star InterContinental Buenos Aires Hotel, including a tour of Argentina’s vibrant capital city. Extend your journey with the exclusive three-night Iguazú Falls Post-Program Option. This unique itinerary is an exceptional value and perennially popular!

Small ships have the flexibility to adjust course spontaneously, maximizing wildlife sightings.

Ample continental landings—explore untouched wilderness.

Be among the fortunate few to discover “The White Continent,” where whales, seals and penguins mingle among turquoise glaciers and glimmering icebergs.

Zodiac excursions led by an expedition team of naturalists, with expertise spanning marine biology, ornithology, glaciology, conservation, history and photography.

omplimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the cruise.

Complimentary Wi-Fi aboard ship (satellite reception permitting).

Lectures aboard ship on natural wonders and wildlife.

Spectacular Iguazú Falls Post-Program Option.

Iguazú Falls Post-Program Option

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Iguazú Falls is one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, where more than 275 spectacular waterfalls span nearly two verdant miles of the Argentina-Brazil frontier, cascading from as high as 270 feet through one of South America’s last remaining virgin rain forests. Visit the lush Parque das Aves jungle reserve, a nature lover’s paradise, home to more than 350 species of birds, 66 varieties of mammals and a mind‑boggling array of reptiles, fish, butterflies and flora. This exclusive three‑night Post‑Program Option features one night in the Five-Star InterContinental Buenos Aires Hotel and two nights in the Five‑Star Meliá Iguazú. Buenos Aires/Iguazú round-trip airfare is included.

Please note: The Post-Cruise Program is available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Reservations and Information

To reserve, complete a registration form in the brochure and fax it to (919) 660-0148 or call (919) 684-2988 to reserve conveniently over the phone.

To learn more about our travel program or any of our upcoming trips, please contact us at travel@daa.duke.edu or 919-684-2988

International and regional cuisine is served in the stylish, spacious dining room in single, unassigned seatings; alfresco in the casual indoor-outdoor restaurant; or from 24-hour room service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a four‑course dinner are served daily. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are served throughout the cruise.

Spacious Public Areas/World-Class Service and Facilities

In keeping with the low passenger density relative to the ship’s size, the public areas are spacious and inviting and can accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge, nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge, and lectures, cultural performances and film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath‑style steam room, full range of fitness equipment and two elevators. The infirmary is staffed with a doctor and nurse. The highly trained, English‑speaking, international crew provides personable and attentive service.

Respect for the Environment

The state-of-the-art propulsion system and custom-built stabilizers provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage. By design, the ship is energy efficient and environmentally protective of marine ecosystems and has been awarded the prestigious “Clean Ship” rating, an extreme rarity among ocean-cruising vessels. The ship has 10 Zodiac landing craft.

Five-Star, Ice-Class ship, State-of-the-Art Design

The exclusively chartered L’Austral represents the newest generation of Five-Star small ships, featuring only 110 Suites and Staterooms, distinctive French sophistication and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.

International and regional cuisine is served in the stylish, spacious Le Coromandel dining room in single, unassigned seatings; alfresco in the casual Le Rodrigues Restaurant; or from
24-hour room service. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available throughout the cruise. Continental and buffet breakfasts, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a four‑course dinner are served daily. Wine is served with lunch and dinner.

Spacious Public Areas/World-Class Service and Facilities

In keeping with the low passenger density, the public areas are spacious and inviting, and they can accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge, nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge and lectures, cultural performances or film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath‑style steam room, full range of fitness equipment, two elevators and an infirmary staffed with a doctor and a nurse. The highly trained and personable, English‑speaking, international crew provides attentive service.

Respect for the Environment

The state-of-the-art propulsion system and custom-built stabilizers provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage. By design, the ship is energy efficient and environmentally protective of marine ecosystems and has been awarded the prestigious “Clean Ship” designation due to its advanced eco-friendly features, a rarity among ocean-cruising vessels. The ship has two tenders and 10 Zodiacs.

Included Features

In Buenos Aires, Argentina

Two nights in the Five-Star InterContinental Buenos Aires Hotel, with breakfast each morning.

Welcome Reception.

City tour featuring the popular neighborhoods of Palermo, Monserrat, La Boca, Puerto Madero and San Telmo, and a visit to the historic Recoleta Cemetery.